7+ of the Best Sci-fi Movies for 2019

Science fiction is one of the greatest film genres of all time. Here are some of the latest in a long line of greats.
Christopher McFadden

For anyone who loves sci-fi, and who doesn't, here are some of the best movie releases of 2019. We have also attempted to answer some other common questions on the net regarding this genre.

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What sci-fi movies are recommended to watch in 2019?

Here are 7 of the most highly recommended films already released or due for release in 2019. The following list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order.

1. Shazam! comes highly rated

Released: April 2019

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score (if available): 84%

Released in April of this year, Shazam! has widely received great reviews from audiences (and critics if you care about that sort of thing). Forming part of the DC film franchise, the film's protagonist, Billy Batson, undergoes a marvelous transformation just by shouting a single word  - - Shazam!

This lighthearted and fun sci-fi film will keep you entertained from start to finish. It really is one of the best films in 2019 so far. 

2. Avengers: Endgame is also great

Released: April 2019

Rotten Tomato Audience Score (if available): 91%

Avengers: Endgame is the latest installment of this highly-rated series. After the colossal events of Avengers: Infinity the question on everyone's lips is will our heroes defeat Thanos or not?

"The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios' grand conclusion to twenty-two films," - Rotten Tomatoes

If you loved the previous installments, make sure you watch it!

3. Pokemon Detective Pikachu is a must-watch, no excuses!

Released: May 2019

Rotten Tomato Audience Score (if available): 80%

If you resisted watching this flick back in May you really missed out on a treat. Whether you love Pokemon or never really cared about it, you will definitely enjoy this sci-fi film. 

Watch your favorite Pokemon hit the silver screen in all their CGI glory. You will be gripped from start to finish with this awesome film. 

For parents, this is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of Pokemon too. It will also give you a couple of hours of peace. 

4. X-Men: Dark Pheonix is also pretty good

Released: June 2019

Rotten Tomato Audience Score (if available): 64%

The follow up to 2016's contentious X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Pheonix hopes to return the series to its former glory. Following the story of Jean Grey's cosmic dark side, this film will keep you glued to the screen.

"Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all of humanity." - imdb.com

If you love all things X-Men, you should probably check this one out.

5. Ad Astra looks awesome

Released: September 2019

Rotten Tomato Audience Score (if available):  TBC

Brad Pitt takes on the role of Astronaut Roy McBride on a journey to the outer edges of the solar system to find his lost father. His quest will help him unravel a mystery that threatens the very survival of Earth itself. 

He will also need to muster his courage and challenge the very nature of human existence in the cosmos. 

Ad Astra is due for release on the 20th September and is already making a stir in the sci-fi community. Let's hope it holds up to all expectations. 

6. Terminator: Dark Fate - Are you excited yet?

Released: 20th November 2019

Rotten Tomato Audience Score (if available):  TBC

Let's face it, some of the recent installments of this venerable sci-fi series have been somewhat lack-luster. But, being suckers for punishment (and massive Terminator fans), we don't really care if it does suck (which it won't).

James Cameron was involved in the production of this one, so it should be pretty awesome. It is also directed by Tim Miller (he also directed Deadpool) and sees Arnie reprise his role as one of the most iconic death-dealing droids of all time.

Let's hope this one lives up to fan's hopes and dreams of saving the beleaguered franchise.

7. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Released: 20th December 2019

Rotten Tomato Audience Score (if available):  TBC

The Last Jedi was a mockery of all the things that made Star Wars the treasure of sci-fi films. But there is still some hope that the franchise can be saved with the last of the current trilogy - - Rise of Skywalker

For many, the current flourish of Disney-owned Star Wars products has been, frankly, an insult to fans. So, the future of the Star Wars franchise hangs in the balance.

But with shimmers of hope in the form of Rogue One, The Rebels Series and Han Solo (yes we went there), perhaps Disney can pull it out of the hat.

We won't lie, many fans are trepidatious about how Episode XI will turn out, but we owe it to ourselves to see how it all ends. 

Trust in the Force!

Which is the best sci-fi movie?

With so many legendary sci-fi films to choose from, it would be impossible to pick one that could take the title of "the best". Plus topics of this nature ultimately come down to personal choice.

best sci-fi films of 2019
Source: Dick Thomas Johnson/Flickr

But, that being said, there are some standout classics that regularly top any chart of best sci-fi films of all time. These include, but are not limited to (courtesy of thrillist.com): -

  • Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
  • Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
  • Aliens 
  • Frankenstein.
  • E.T. 
  • Brazil.
  • The Fly.
  • Planet of the Apes (original).
  • 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  • Silent Running (trust us it's great).

What is a good movie to watch in 2018?

2018 had some great releases for any fan of sci-fi films. You may, or may not, have seen some of these but each one is at least worth a watch. 

These include, but again, are not limited to (courtesy of ranker.com): -

  • Upgrade - Is actually very good indeed.
  • Ready Player One - A surprisingly amazing sci-fi film. 
  • Prospect - Regularly ranked in the top ten of 2018 films. 
  • Black Mirror: Bandersnatch - Not everyone likes this one, but its critically acclaimed (if that holds sway with you at all). 
great sci-fi films
Source: pxhere
  • Bumblebee - This is absolutely fantastic. Any fan of the 80s original Transformers will adore this film.
  • Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - A worthy addition to this venerable franchise.
  • Next-Gen - Brilliant, funny and loved by kids of all ages. 
  • Pacific Rim: Uprising - This is very entertaining. Not a great film per se but definitely worth a watch. 

Which science fiction movies have made the most money in theaters?

According to Investopedia (data courtesy of imdb), here are the 25 biggest grossing science-fiction films of all time. 

Title Year

Budget ($ Millions)

Gross Sales Worldwide Box Office ($ Millions)

Gross Profit

 

Avatar 2009 $237 $2,788 1176.4%
The Avengers 2012 $220 $1,519 690.5%
Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015 $280 $1,348 * 418.4%
Iron Man 3 2013 $200 $1,215 607.5%
Transformers: Dark of the Moon 2011 $195 $1,124 576.4%
Transformers: Age of Extinction 2014 $100 $1,104 1104%
Jurassic Park 1993 $63 $1,030 1634.9%
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 1999 $115 $1,027 893%
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 2013 $135 $865 640.7%
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 2005 $113 $849 751.3%
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 2009 $200 $836 418%
Inception 2010 $160 $826 516.3%
Independence Day 1996 $75 $817 1089.3%
E.T.  The Extraterrestrial 1982 $10.5 $793 7552.4%
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope 1977 $11 $776 7054.5%
Guardians of the Galaxy 2014 $196 $774 395%
2012 2009 $200 $770 385%
The Matrix Reloaded 2003 $150 $742 494.7%
Gravity 2013 $100 $716 716%
Transformers 2007 $150 $710 473.3%
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 2014 $170 $709 417.1%
The Hunger Games 2012 $78 $691 885.9%
Interstellar 2014 $165 $673 407.9%
Superman: Man of Steel 2013 $225 $668 296.9%
Big Hero 6 2014 $165 $652 319.2%
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